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Sunday, April 17, 2016

As an author, I'd love to think my books are timeless and will live on long after I'm gone. I'm also a realist and recognize that probably won't happen! ha haRudyard Kipling has definitely achieved immortality in the sense that his children's story has been loved by many generations. Below is my review of the newest remake of his story, which I shared on my movie review blog.Movie Title: The Jungle Book

Grade: A

Rating: PG, 1
hour 51 minutes

In a Nutshell: What do you get when you mix 90% CGI with a
Rudyard Kipling remake? Surprisingly, a
beautiful family friendly film. Director
Jon Favreau gives a respectful nod to the 1967 Disney original, while crafting
a new one that is fresh and full of heart.
See it in 3D if you can.

Uplifting theme:

Baloo says, “Everyone’s got a song.” A
strong message that comes out in the film is to be yourself, your best
self. We all have our unique
strengths and others around us will be blessed when we are true to
ourselves and use our talents.

Another
wise thing Baloo says is, “You say you want to go the man village. I say you can be a man right here.” We need to stop waiting for something to
happen before we live up to our potential.

Friendship, courage, love.

Things I liked:

Neel
Sethi plays Mowgli, the only human in the movie, yet there is great
humanity in the film. He does an
excellent job and is completely adorable.
I love the realistic detail of some scars on his shoulder and
chest.

Even
if we don’t get to see the talented Ben Kingsley, it’s a pleasure to hear
his voice as the protective teacher Bagheera.

Who
doesn’t love the carefree Baloo?
Bill Murray’s voice fits perfectly and provides plenty of comic
relief, making the audience I sat with laugh almost every time the lovable
bear was on the screen. This ain’t
no bear from The Revenant!

Casting
Christopher Walken as the creepy, funny King Louie was perfect. Walken has that reputation in Hollywood.

Idris
Elba voices the scary Shere Khan and provides a villain who is
frightening, yet not so much that young children won’t be able to watch
the movie.

Scarlett
Johansson’s soothing, tempting voice was also a great choice for Kaa.

The
wolf oath has been borrowed by the Boy Scouts of America, because it
teaches some important principles still today! The 8 year old boys in Cub Scouts repeat
a somewhat different version each week in their gatherings.

Adorable,
yet realistic creatures in the jungle.
The porcupine was an especially popular character for the
audience.

Pay
close attention to this fascinating detail…there is a water scene where
you actually see water splashes on the camera…but is there really a camera
there or was it all CGI?

Honey
IS actually good for scratches and bee stings!

Things I didn’t like:

There
is nothing at the end of credits, so feel free to leave the theater after
the last scene. I was disappointed,
because they could have easily added any number of fun nuggets to surprise
and delight audiences.

Some
of the CGI looks a little fake, but most of it is actually stunning.

Funny lines:

“Bears don’t hibernate in the jungle.” –
Bagheera

“Not full hibernation, but I nap…a
lot.” – Baloo

“I realize you weren’t born a
wolf, but couldn’t you just act like one?” - Bagheera

“If
you can’t learn to run with the pack, one of these days, you’ll be someone’s
dinner.” – Bagheera

“He’s
walking on two legs!” – animal child at Peace Rock

“Don’t stare!” – animal’s shocked
mother

“What
did I tell you? He’s special.” –
Baloo talking about Mowgli

“I know. I raised him.” - Bagheera

Interesting lines:

“If it’s
meant to be, it will be.” – Raksha (Lupita Nyong’o)

“You
have never been a more endangered species than you are in this moment.” -
Baloo

Tips for
parents:

There are
some animal fight scenes that might frighten very young children.